Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Swirling Dervishes & Mevlana

While sitting in a cafe in Turkey, sipping on Turkish coffee and soda mineral water, possibly playing tavla (backgammon), dama (checkers), or having a conversation you will sometimes be approached by people. I say people in general, because there are so many different kinds. Firstly you have the people asking for a lighter. Then there are the older men selling lottery tickets and scratch-offs (one of my favorites). There are also the young boys trying to sell roses to you for the girl sitting next to you. The men carrying around a tower of balloons, and the ones selling light-up toys. If you are hungry, there are men selling roasted and cold nuts, and the "cig-kofte" a raw meat that is delicious. You will also have beggars and children giving you a fortune card with hopes you will give them money. Lastly there is a group of people that work with organizations asking for money to support health groups, political groups and so on.

A lady from a leukemia support group arrived at our table asking for money. Of course I get out my wallet, especially since I knew she was official. She then gave me a pamphlet on their group and what they did. On it had an "advice" list from a famous philosopher, Mevlana, or better known as Rumi (Listed below). I was then interested to find out more about this philosopher and his influence.

Come to find out, he is the inspiration to the swirling dervishes(name of the people) participating in the dance known as "Sema." If you ever see a commercial or something about Turkish culture, people always seem to recognize the men twirling in a type of white costume. The traditional reasoning is that these 'twirlers' will spin to perfection. It is a journey through the spirit, mind, and love. It is said that after his 'journey' he will come back as a grown, more mature soul/person. He will have left his egos, his hatred, and his lies, coming to love life, and human nature.

Mevlana or Rumi, is well known for his poetry and teachings about love, peace, and harmony. He was a Muslim man, but looked at every religion with respect. He believed that every man should have his or her own faith, and to prosper through it, not to disturb others. Mevlana died in 1273, but left a legacy of teachings and is honored every year on the day of his death with a celebration of his teachings. There is also a museum in Konya where he is also laid to rest.

After reading some of his translated poetry and writings I find even more of a blessing to be here. To be able to walk the same streets as many ancient philosophers did is somehow amazing to me. The history of Turkey is deep and mystical, and each step I walk while in Turkey, I find something new, even as simple as a pamphlet!

Seven advice of Mevlana (Rumi)

1. In generosity and helping others, be like a riverComertlik ve yardim etmede akarsu gibi ol

About Me

Hello, Merhaba, Hola, Bonjour, this is me, Dustin, I'm from Columbus, Ohio, America. I'm currently studying abroad at Yasar University in Izmir, Turkey. I love meeting new people, sometimes I'm shy at first, but I guarantee I will warm up to ya!! :) I love lots of things about life, I live everyday with no regrets, or at least try, because they are what we have learned from and at one time, it was exactly what we wanted! I miss my family lots, and all my wonderful friends from my hometown, I would like to thank them for growing and shaping who I am as a person. I will always always try my hardest to help anyone in need, I love seeing the bright side in individuals! I hope to show this through my travels and business career that I am working on. I love to travel and work with people, and I would like to have been in 50 different countries and all 50 states before I die. Culture is a tremendous thing to grasp and learn, it is eye opening and thought provoking!! May whomever you believe in bless you completely, and I leave you with great hopes for a spectacular future!